Fireman Small: An Endearing Rhyming Picture Book About Rescue and a Dalmatian for Kids

Fireman Small

by Wong Herbert Yee

Share this sweet and original picture book with your preschool firefighter! Fireman Small has had a busy day rescuing people and fighting fires . . . and it's not over yet. Just as he's preparing for a good night's sleep, the fire bell rings yet again. "Fireman Small and his faithful Dalmatian make a charming pair, and this simple rhyming story is endearing." — School Library Journal

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Sharon Talbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ll never forget this book!

My kid loved this book when he was two. Now he’s 23 and we still enjoy quoting rhyme from it. Just did a spoof of it for a family skit. We will always be thankful to Mr. Yee for giving us so much fun with a simple little picture book.

[Viktoria Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun! A family favorite. The rhyming and predictability make it a great story.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

rating is purely the size of pictures and text ...if you read the kindle version it is near impossible to read those text ... it is absolutely precious read otherwise. maybe if you are reading a regular sized book it will be fine? i am reading kindle version through Kindle Unlimited. sad face.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never a dull moment in the life of Fireman Small of Fire Station Nine. A Kitten in a tree, A Bunny down a well, and a fire at the bakery, this first responder works day and night, but will he ever get a chance to sleep?

[Tami · Rating 1 out of 5]

one star because it is long. he rescues a little bit of people. 🍅🍑🍞🥥🥝🍇🍎🌽🌽🌽🌽🌽hope. good story and good rythym

[Allyson Goose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big hit with my preschooler and kindergartener! We’ve read this lots. The predictable text is fun for them.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alissa loved the constant activity and was so glad he saved so many people.

[Aarvik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice read!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to read this book to my son. Perfect rhyming scheme. Fireman Small keeps trying to go to sleep at the firehouse, but he keeps getting interrupted by fire alarms/emergencies.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful! A friend’s favorite that she read to her boys when they were young. I can see why they loved it so.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fireman Small was the only fireman in his community. He went out on calls both day and night on rescues and putting out fires. His problem was not having much time for sleep.

[Priscilla Gilman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming

[Krysta McFarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This modern fantasy poetry book could be used in the classroom for Preschool to first grade. This was a cute little book that hit home with me with my dad being a firefighter. Yee does a good job of using poetry and repetition to make this story more relatable and easy to get lost in. The calls that fireman small receives will have you smiling as you read. It was a cute book with all the pictures that perfectly match the story line. I would highly recommend this book if you are talking about firemen and/or poetry.

[Jaymie Shook · Rating 5 out of 5]

THANK YOU Fireman Small!
by snacksformax
In honor of 9/11, today we're reviewing a book called Fireman Small by Wong Herbert Yee. I came across this book at Half Price Books and couldn't not bring it home with us, especially with the anniversary of the tragedy coming up, giving all of us another chance to remember the great sacrifice made by so many first responders 12 years ago.

Fireman Small, Snacks for Max, 5 snacksFireman Small is about a fireman in a small town who comes to the rescue for everything from a cat up a tree, to a child down a well, to a fire at the bakery. Like the first responders at the Twin Towers, Fireman Small is brave and true of heart. He puts his own needs (like safety and sleep) aside to help others. The book tells the story of so many courageous firefighters all over the country and shares wonderful values that I want my son to embody.

fireman small 2My favorite part of the book [spoiler alert!] is when several people in town whose lives have been touched by Fireman Small gather at the firehouse to display their gratitude. This, to me, is the greatest value of the book and is what 9/11 will always be for the United States of America. Through the conversation started with this book, Max will grow up knowing that we owe a debt to not only the firefighters but also the police officers, EMTs, and other emergency officials all over the country who help us when we are in trouble.

Besides the subject matter, Fireman Small is a great bedtime book because of the rhythm of the rhyme. After each emergency, Fireman Small closes the shade, climbs into bed, and pulls up the covers.

My uncle was a firefighter for many years in Kokomo, Indiana, and I have always admired his courage. He has a new grandson and a five-year-old granddaughter who will be receiving a copy of this book for Christmas!

Because of the subject matter, the values, and the rhythm, Fireman Small deserves 5 snacks (or starts, depending on your rating system!).

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very cute story of a fireman (the only firefighter this side of the bay!) who deals with a series of escalating problems alone: Rescuing a kitty from a tree, a child from a well, and finally putting out a fire!

The use of rhythm is terrific, and the illustrations are great.

I will note that it's unrealistic. Real firefighters work in teams utilizing the buddy system, and a child who is *really* obsessed with firefighters will know that.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fireman Small just can't any sleep because he's the only fireman in the bay and he must always work to help everyone. He saves the cat from the tree, the bunny from the well and the bakery that is on fire. He finally can get some rest when his friends ring his doorbell to tell him thanks for all his help. It's a humorous story and my kids enjoyed it.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

24 months - a very cute read, good use of repetition without being boring. Great rhyming and story telling. The unique artwork seemed familiar to Eek There's a Mouse In The House an GR confirmed it's the same author/illustration, we love that one too! We will have to search out and read more of his titles.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the rhythmic language of this book. It allows me to read it while pondering two great mysteries: Why is Fireman Small human while everyone else in the city is an animal? And why are there pictures of rabbits on most--BUT NOT ALL--of the pages? Wong Herbert Yee, you mystify me.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of books out loud to Caleb. A lot. This book has such delightful, musical rhymes (and sweet illustrations) that it's truly a pleasure to read over and over. (As opposed to some other ones I've read.) I plan to read all the other books I can find by this author.

[Linda Costello · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book while discussing community helpers in Pre-K. Fireman smalls helps all sorts of different animals in his community.

[Reepacheep · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read-aloud book, nicely illustrated.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book so often, I can recite it from memory 13 years later. Loved the story, the cadence (fun to read aloud) and the artwork.
Love it!

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book to my girls. They could recite it along with me because of the repetition. (plus, I loved how I could add emphasis to Fireman Small's actions. . .)

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great repetition. Loved this!

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little bit of a strange story - he's the only fireman and basically does his job or sleeps.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

got to love a cute predictable rhyming book - and fireman small is so cute. I also like detective small.....we actually discovered detective small first.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book to my kids. It was a very insightful tale about the sporadically unrestful life of a fireman who gives his life in service to help others.

[Daniel Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book because Fireman Small saved three friends in an emergency accident.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could read this book every night to Lucas! We both adore it!!

[Bobby · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars just based on how much my son loves this book.